Nokia 8 USB-C port starting to fail

madbilly
madbilly Super User
in Nokia 8
Hi everyone,

Unfortunately I've confirmed that the USB-C port on my 8 is starting to fail. The connection is not always made, "charging" disappears from the screen or sometimes quickcharging does not engage. I have tried the same cable and the charger with another device and there are no problems, which for me confirms that the 8's USB-C port is starting to fail somehow, either becoming enlarged and losing connection or is has come slightly detached from the PCB.

I know this has been reported a lot on other models of HMD Nokia phone, does anyone have experience of it on the 8?

Thanks :)
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Comments

  • MrBelter
    MrBelter ✭✭✭✭
    Turn the phone off and clean the port out with a blue interdental brush :smile:


  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    Already tried that one, no improvement :(
  • MrBelter
    MrBelter ✭✭✭✭
    2 year warranty on mine, surely that's the same for everyone?
  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    Yes, for me at least. I think I'll have to go down that route.
  • ignas
    ignas ✭✭✭
    Oh cool, so that's another thing to look forward to. I'm less and less convinced this phone is going to last me to two years :D There's a concerning amount of wiggle from side to side and top to bottom, but all fine for now. Funny an old Galaxy Ace I have has almost zero movement in comparison. 
  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    My other USB-C device has a very solid connection, the USB-C plug goes all the way into the device and there's no wiggle. On the Nokia 8 the plug is still protruding a few mm after insertion and there is some wiggle - not that I routinely test this, this is not the cause of the fault!
  • Mick1965
    Mick1965 ✭✭✭
    edited March 2019
    Have you tried IPA (isopropyl alcohol) 100% type is best. To clean the contacts properly.

    With your phone off and cable disconnected.

    Dip your cable end plug onto the IPA insert into phone then remove, do this a few times. Dip the end again, insert, remove  and so on
    Do this several times.

    Dry both gently with hair dryer.
    The IPA will evaporate very quickly.
  • MrBelter
    MrBelter ✭✭✭✭
    On my wifes Nokia 8 the USB C plug clicks in to place really positively, mine has always just shoved in with no click so there clearly is some manufacturing differences.
  • ignas
    ignas ✭✭✭
    mrbelter said:
    On my wifes Nokia 8 the USB C plug clicks in to place really positively, mine has always just shoved in with no click so there clearly is some manufacturing differences.
    I feel like mine started losing the nice click with time. Sometimes it's okay, other times I'm trying to make sure I inserted it correctly. I think the clips are inside the cable end, so maybe it's just that part wearing out. Maybe depends on how I insert it. 
  • MrBelter
    MrBelter ✭✭✭✭
    Like i said mine has never clicked not even with the supplied Nokia cable or with Anker Powerline+ or Anker Premium cables, shame really as i do like the feel of the click on the missus phone and no that isn't a euphemism :lol:
  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    Mmmmm, IPA! :D 100% proof?! That's a strong brew! :D

    I don't have any IPA but you reminded me I have some other contact cleaner which I've tried. No obvious immediate improvement though, I'll see how it goes.

    Cheers :smiley:
  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    Touch wood, it seems to be a bit better. I'll see how it goes. Thanks for the suggestion @Mick1965 ! :smiley:
  • Mick1965
    Mick1965 ✭✭✭
    Glad you seen some improvement. :)

    Trick is the removing and reinserting while it's still "wet" with the contact cleaner or IPA.
  • madbilly
    madbilly Super User
    Unfortunately it was short-lived. It was temperamental last night and didn't charge overnight, I had to lay the phone on the floor with a flat cable to get an emergency charge this morning.
  • Hugh Matthews
    Hugh Matthews ✭✭✭
    My original cable still almost clicks into place, as does a new one I just got with a Zhiyun gimbal. But a cheap adapter I bought in Germany has to be held in place with gaffa (duct) tape...
  • DibyaXP
    DibyaXP ✭✭✭
    Look like I have to stay away from my Nokia 8 from frequent charging
  • MrBelter
    MrBelter ✭✭✭✭
    These are the best cables i have used by far if anyone is looking at buying a new one.


  • Ed Kramer
    Ed Kramer ✭

    Mine is doing this too... It's not even 2 years old and I've never had a charge port problem in any phone I've had. Must be the poor quality USB C, I've never thought of them as particularly robust.

    Once I've had it replaced, hopefully under warranty, I have a magnetic charging cable with a plug that stays in the entire time and the cable attaches with a magnet, so it will save constantly inserting the regular cable.

  • m grove
    m grove ✭

    Nokia 8 here is just over 2 years old. In general it's a great device. Held out for a long time awaiting an Android Nokia :)

    Same experience here, I've tried "expanding" the cable end C connector shield, using thin aluminum tape to achieve a tighter fit. Nothing really works. Noticed with the tape, best contact to the internal connection leads on the phone are when the connector is completely "shoved" in and firmly inserted all the way. Seems the internal shield tends to expand with a tapered deformity.

    There is a small shop near that does custom repairs as seen in a few Nokia 8 videos, replacing screens and such, thought about letting them have a go replacing the connector, get the battery upgraded while at it.

    Phone is worth it to me. I've dropped, kicked and inadvertently stepped on it, it just keeps on working :)

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